Presence, what is it? How will you know if presence is what you are experiencing? We all know, without being taught, when someone is present with us. We feel their presence. And, often, we would like to feel more of it. Presence is what allows you to enjoy your joy, to release your sorrow or to articulate your anger. Without presence, life can only be flat, with pre-packaged flavor and limited options. Contrary to the cultural conditioning we have all received, saying it is best if you always feel nice, kind and happy, you cannot enjoy such peaceful states unless you are also willing to experience the full range of your own emotions. Deep capacity for presence can sustain you through waves of emotion, can stabilize you in turbulent environmental conditions, and can bring greater clarity to your own knowing in any situation. For these reasons, I have chosen in my own practice and in guiding the practice of others, to focus on growing the capacity to be present. The capacity for presence allows you to rest more easily and more often in your life, increasing your sensation of stability and clarity throughout your experience.
Almost all of the meditation practices I teach originated in the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. They have been tested through time by many people who wished to become fully present, awake or as some would say, enlightened. There is extensive commentary and teaching on these practices throughout their history, but through the presence of teachers, these practices become new each time they are taught. Inspired by my teachers, I am working to find ways to communicate these practices from my own experience, helping to bring their power to our immediate cultural situation.
For those who wish to use meditation practice in the way I am offering, there are several options. Through Consulting you can receive individual instruction in a practice suited to you. In Teaching you can join with others in seminars to initiate or deepen your meditation practice. With Mentoring you can receive ongoing support for your individual practice once it is established, allowing you to deepen your practice and undertake new practices, as it is appropriate.
If you wish to schedule a mentoring session, e-mail Josephine@essencepresence.com
